The UN Acting Envoy to Libya Stephanie Williams expressed on Thursday her optimism about the progress made in the Tunisian-based Libyan dialogue, saying that the country "is now on its way to achieving stability, peace and preserving its unity."

In her online briefing before the UN Security Council on the Libyan developments, Williams said that she was pleased to report that tangible progress has been made from the confidence-building measures package that was formulated in Geneva.

"Flights have been resumed in Tripoli and Benghazi, and will soon return to other areas of the country. The blockade imposed on the oil fields has been lifted and production has returned to its previous levels, surpassing one million barrels per day," she said.

Williams stressed the importance of respecting the Libyan agreement that was reached in light of Security Council Resolution 2510 and the Berlin Conference outcomes.

She indicated that the participants in the political dialogue agreed on the form of the Presidential Council, the Council of Ministers, and to name two deputy Prime Ministers, stressing that there is room for everyone in the electoral process.

Williams indicated that the current objective is to complete the presidential and parliamentary elections on December 24, 2021, the day that coincides with the 70th anniversary of Libya's independence.

The UNSMIL Acting Head also warned of the increasing numbers of infections and deaths from the Coronavirus, especially in Tripoli and other large urban areas in the country, saying that this is due to a shortage in health care workers, health equipment, and poor response.